The US Open 2026 has entered its most exciting stage, and tennis fans across the United States are witnessing one of the most dramatic editions of the tournament in recent years. With unexpected upsets, American stars making deep runs, and historic moments on the court, the final days at Flushing Meadows are packed with storylines.
The tournament has already delivered a major surprise: Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal thriller, while Frances Tiafoe also battled through five sets to reach the semifinals. On the women’s side, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have kept American hopes alive.
🇺🇸 Ben Shelton Stuns Carlos Alcaraz
One of the biggest stories of the 2026 US Open came from Arthur Ashe Stadium.
American No. 8 seed Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 in a spectacular quarterfinal.
The match lasted more than four hours and finished at 3:33 a.m., making it the latest finish in US Open history. Shelton sealed the victory with a 146-mph ace in the deciding tiebreak.
The victory was especially important for American tennis because Shelton entered the match with an 0-17 record against Top-3 opponents. He now advances to an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe.
🔥 Frances Tiafoe Continues His US Open Run
Frances Tiafoe produced another memorable comeback against fellow American Alex Michelsen.
Tiafoe recovered from two sets down to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6, earning his third US Open semifinal appearance.
His semifinal against Shelton is particularly significant. It guarantees an American man will reach the US Open final, ending a long period without an American male singles finalist at the tournament.
The match also represents a historic moment: Shelton and Tiafoe are the first Black American men to meet in a Grand Slam semifinal during the Open Era.
🇺🇸 Coco Gauff Makes a Dramatic Comeback
American star Coco Gauff showed tremendous resilience in her quarterfinal against Mirra Andreeva.
Gauff lost the opening set but fought back to win 2-6, 7-6, 6-2, saving two match points during the second-set tiebreak.
The victory puts Gauff into the US Open semifinals, where she will face Elena Rybakina. Gauff is also riding a 10-match winning streak.
For American fans, Gauff remains one of the biggest names to watch as the tournament approaches its final weekend.
🌟 Elena Rybakina Reaches World No. 1
Elena Rybakina defeated Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
The result secured Rybakina’s place in the semifinals and also guaranteed that she would become the new world No. 1. She is the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the top of the women’s rankings.
Her semifinal against Gauff is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
💪 Jessica Pegula Keeps American Hopes Alive
Jessica Pegula also advanced to the women’s semifinals after defeating Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
The victory was particularly impressive because Pegula recovered after losing the opening set.
She has now reached the US Open semifinals for the third consecutive year and recorded her 50th win of the 2026 season. Her next opponent is defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
🏆 Aryna Sabalenka Chasing Another US Open Title
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka remains in the hunt for a third consecutive US Open championship.
Sabalenka survived a tough quarterfinal against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, winning 7-6, 3-6, 7-6.
She has now extended her US Open winning streak to 18 matches.
Her semifinal against Pegula could become another major chapter in their growing rivalry.
👀 Players to Watch at the US Open 2026
1. Ben Shelton 🇺🇸
Shelton is arguably the biggest American men’s storyline of the tournament. His victory over Alcaraz has transformed him from an exciting young player into a genuine Grand Slam title contender.
2. Frances Tiafoe 🇺🇸
Tiafoe’s experience and ability to perform under pressure make him dangerous in New York. His semifinal against Shelton will be one of the tournament’s biggest American sporting events.
3. Coco Gauff 🇺🇸
Gauff’s comeback against Andreeva demonstrated her mental strength. With home-court support behind her, she has a serious opportunity to reach the final.
4. Elena Rybakina 🇰🇿
The new world No. 1 arrives in the semifinals with confidence and powerful baseline tennis. Her match against Gauff could be a highlight of the women’s tournament.
5. Jessica Pegula 🇺🇸
Pegula’s consistency has been one of the biggest stories of the tournament. Three straight US Open semifinal appearances show how comfortable she has become on the New York stage.
6. Aryna Sabalenka 🇧🇾
The defending champion remains a major threat. If she defeats Pegula, she will move closer to another US Open championship.
7. Karen Khachanov 🇷🇺
Khachanov reached the men’s semifinals after Alexander Blockx retired while Khachanov led 6-2, 7-5, 3-2. He is now one win away from reaching his first Grand Slam final.
📅 What’s Next?
The men’s semifinals feature an exciting all-American matchup:
Frances Tiafoe vs. Ben Shelton
The other men’s semifinal features:
Karen Khachanov vs. Alexander Zverev
The women’s semifinals are:
Coco Gauff vs. Elena Rybakina
Jessica Pegula vs. Aryna Sabalenka
These matches could determine whether the United States finally gets a new American men’s Grand Slam champion or whether the women’s title goes to one of the tournament’s established stars.
🇺🇸 Why the 2026 US Open Is Special for American Tennis
The biggest storyline for U.S. fans is the resurgence of American men’s tennis.
With Shelton and Tiafoe reaching the semifinals, an American man is guaranteed a place in the US Open final. The achievement comes after a long drought: the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.
Meanwhile, Gauff and Pegula have given American fans two strong contenders in the women’s draw.